The work has commenced on the 175-km Gurdaspur-Jammu Tawi gas pipeline project, which is expected to provide domestic gas to Jammu households by 2026.
GAIL (India) Ltd is undertaking the pipeline construction along and across the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, with initial work already underway on sectionalizing valves in Kathua and Hiranagar.
Officials said the prestigious pipeline project involves developing essential infrastructure, including laying pipes, establishing pumping stations, and creating distribution networks.
“As a cleaner fossil fuel compared to coal and oil, natural gas will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, benefiting the environment and public health. The project aims to ensure an uninterrupted gas supply year-round, regardless of weather or road conditions," they said.
The tentative route of the main trunk pipeline is Gurdaspur-Pathankot-Kathua-Samba-Jammu City, with the originating point at Gurdaspur and the termination point in Jammu City.
The pipeline is designed to transport up to 2 million standard cubic meters per day.
Officials said the Gurdaspur-Jammu pipeline is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting the natural gas requirements of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Once completed, the pipeline will transport environment-friendly fuel to Jammu and, eventually, to Kashmir, enhancing the region's energy security.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh shared an update on the progress through a post on X, saying, “The 160-km Gurdaspur-#Jammu Tawi natural gas pipeline project has started, expected to provide domestic gas to households by 2026. GAIL is laying the pipeline alongside the Delhi-#Katra Expressway, with work starting on sectionalizing valves in #Kathua and #Hiranagar.”